Origin

First meaning ‘to wait for’, expect entered English from Latin exspectare ‘to look out for’, from spectare ‘to look’. Spectare is also the source of spectacle and many other English words ( see species). ‘England expects that every man will do his duty’ was the British admiral Lord Nelson's memorable last signal to his fleet before the Battle of Trafalgar, on 21 October 1805. See blind and kiss for more about Nelson.

Phrases

be expecting (a baby)

It is understood that the woman was told during her pregnancy that she was expecting twins.

I'm trying to get back into jogging but my wife Emma is expecting a baby in August - so I expect to be rather more occupied with that.

He praised the young couple for their serious commitment, counselled them through a miscarriage and, at their wedding one year later, joyfully announced during the ceremony that they were expecting a baby.